Available help for voluntary departure from the UK
I would like to inquire as to what kind of assistance is available for voluntary repatriation to my country, Nigeria?
I’ve spent 14 years in the UK, worked-studied and even started a family here. Unfortunately due to a failed relationship and other factors such as my current homelessness (convictions... nothing serious, never been to prison but was fined and did a whole bunch of community sentences) I was issued a one stop deportation order by the Home Office. It said I could appeal but I have 28 days to leave the country voluntarily.
In light of everything that has happened to me within the last year and up to this point, I don’t even want to appeal it, I simply just want to leave and start afresh at home. The current hostile environment, the anti-immigrant bias Brexit has brought, my so-called criminal record, lack of financial status, etc. are key hindrances to any progression I could possibly hope for if I stay here. I had a dream, 14 years it’s not a reality and with that bitterness I just rather leave than continue to fight to stay in the uk. Long story short, I would like to leave on my own accord and simply can’t afford to do so. I was wondering what assistance programs might be available?
I have tried contacting airlines directly to see if they can “charitable spare” a seat on any flight heading towards Nigeria within the next 28 days. Nothing has come of this. I really don’t have friends or family I can rely on either here or in Nigeria and would need some kind of help to leave and perhaps something financial to help me the first month I’m there to have a roof over my head so one is not aimlessly walking the streets.
I really don’t want to be “deported” or have an enforced deportation process where my liberty is curtailed. May I kindly ask, what may be the solution/s? Please at this stage, nothing would sound outlandish and I am willing to try anything, I just want to leave peaceful with some iota of dignity. Any suggestions? I am extremely grateful for any input.
Best Answer
I'm sorry to hear this, and hope you find a way to rebuild in Nigeria.
The UK government has a scheme to help in just this situation: see https://www.gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily
Even if you think you do not meet the criteria on the website, I strongly suggest getting in contact with them, as they likely have some degree of discretion. Buying you a plane ticket will be less expensive than paying a security contractor to remove you.
Pictures about "Available help for voluntary departure from the UK"
Can you come back to the UK after voluntary departure?
If you got help from the government to return to your home country, you can usually apply to return to the UK: in 2 years if you leave within 6 months of being told to leave. in 2 years after your appeal was refused or after an administrative review. in 5 years if it takes you longer than 6 months to leave.Is voluntary departure the same as deportation UK?
This briefing examines the deportation (or 'enforced return') and voluntary departure ('voluntary return') of people without the right to be in the UK. It presents statistics on the numbers and characteristics of people who are removed or who leave voluntarily. COVID-19 had a major impact on returns.How long does it take to process voluntary departure?
Aliens granted voluntary departure usually have 60 or 120 days to leave the U.S., depending on the case. And the alien may need to post a bond prior to exiting the country. In this article, our California immigration law attorneys discuss how non-citizens in California may leave the U.S. without a removal order.How does British Red Cross help refugees?
Our services for refugees The British Red Cross is the UK's largest independent provider of services for refugees and people seeking asylum. We offer emergency help, one-to-one support and casework, special services for children and families, and help reuniting families.How Can Voluntary Departure Help You?
More answers regarding available help for voluntary departure from the UK
Answer 2
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles.
This answer has a list of how long bans last. Two of the options are: "if they left the UK voluntarily, not at public expense" (I have reworded slightly), and "if they left UK voluntarily, at public expense". Hence it is clearly possible to get the Home Office to pay for your return flight.
I suggest you get in contact with them, there are probably contact details on the letter you received. Say something like "I am happy to leave, but I can't afford to buy a ticket. Can you help?" (I suspect they will be keen to help because it is a lot cheaper to buy you a ticket on a commercial flight than it is to charter a deportation flight, and both count as "one unwanted immigrant removed" to add to their total for bonuses/promotion.)
If you do this, you should ask about what impact accepting such assistance would have if you were to apply for a visitor's visa in the future (for example to visit your family).
Answer 3
You can get a one way ticket from London to Lagos for under £200.
You can try gofundme.com or the version you have in the uk.
I’ve seen gofundme raise significant funds for some ridiculous proposals way more outlandish than yours.
Being Nigerian unfortunately many people might default to thinking it’s a scam so you may want to get a non-Nigerian friend to post the gofundme appeal on your behalf.
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